The NATCP has withdrawn dangerous potency enhancers from market circulation

The list of banned substances is available here

Laboratory tests carried out in connection with the official inspection revealed that the following three products contained active pharmaceutical ingredients used in prescription medicines: The Dragon Power, RS RUI SHEN, and Hurrikán. The information provided with the products typically attributed symptomatic relief and healing effects (treatment of erectile dysfunction) to the products, while emphasizing their natural composition (herbs, superfoods).

The active ingredients sildenafil and tadalafil belong to the group of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) inhibitors, which affect the cardiovascular system and are only considered safe for use under medical supervision. Their use in combination with other drugs, such as nitrate-containing preparations, can be particularly dangerous. These active ingredients increase blood flow, thus affecting the entire circulatory system. This can lead not only to the desired effect, but also to side effects. Side effects may include headache, dizziness, visual disturbances, and a drop in blood pressure. In severe cases, life-threatening conditions may develop, especially if the consumer is unaware of the presence of the prohibited active ingredient.

It is important to emphasize that PDE-5 inhibitors do no occur naturally in plant-based ingredients. In cases where a product claims to be natural but has a powerful effect similar to that of a drug, there is good reason to suspect that it contains illegally added active ingredients. Untested manufacturing conditions, unknown ingredients, and improper dosing significantly increase the risk of overdose, allergic reactions, and cardiovascular complications.

The NATCP would like to remind consumers again to purchase dietary supplements only from reliable, authorized sources and to avoid products offered on the internet, social media, or other uncontrolled channels. Products that promise unrealistically fast or extraordinary effects pose an increased risk.

The authority also recommends that consumers check before purchasing whether the selected product is listed in the database of registered dietary supplements maintained by the National Public Health and Pharmaceutical Center, and whether the product is on the list of products withdrawn from the marketplace.

The NATCP also reminds distributors that marketing products containing illegal active pharmaceutical ingredients can have serious legal consequences and may be considered not only a food safety violation but also counterfeiting and a criminal offense.

Increased testing of dietary supplements is one of the key points of the 7-point consumer protection action plan announced last fall. The NATCP, in cooperation with other authorities, conducts ongoing inspections of the dietary supplement market in order to reduce abuse and prevent dangerous products from entering the country.